Sunday, January 8, 2012

Cabin Fever?

Feeling more blue, cooped up, and sluggish around this time of year, but feel much better in spring and summer? It could be seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Symptoms include: loss of interest in your usual activities, feeling drowsy all the time, feeling sad, grumpy, moody, and craving carbohydrates. Lack of light upsets the sleep-wake cycle and other circadian rhythms. It may cause problems with a brain chemical called serotonin that affects mood.

Though this is coming from a self-diagnosed hypochondriac, I think this is what happens to me every winter!Throughout this whole week in St. Louis it's been warmer than usual. I'm talking like almost sixty degrees and sunny! It was really reminiscent of spring just going out walking, wearing a jacket instead of a coat. Of course with any issue experts say regular exercise can help you feel better. It immediately boosted my mood just being outside. Unfortunately, other treatment options involve sitting in front of a light for hours every day until the season changes called light therapy or taking antidepressants, which always has the risk factor of making symptoms worse.

Whelp, so far some simple mood boosters are:

Walking outdoors.

Keeping up with my tot.

Reading my bible and praying at quiet "me-times" when I can best reflect on things.

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About Me

Hi! I'm now 24 years old. Started this blog when I was 23. The love of my life is my daughter, I'm a SAHM. Another major part of my life is my relationship with God. I'm a work in progress. I am down to earth, and have a ultra feminine style. I love volunteering, cooking+baking, reading (including poetry), listening to music (all types). Places I enjoy are: the movies, library, The City Museum, The Loop, dining out and dining in on a nice house date, seeing outdoor plays at The Muny, going to the History Museum when there's really good African American exhibits, the zoo, seeing Forest Park and recently going to the Citygarden at night. I love vintage finds, Etsy, beautiful photography, and reading blogs. I've loved retro/vintage since early-on before I even realized that's what it even was. Inspired by my Grandmother, vintage is a part of me.